SCS/SB 584 - This act changes the salaries within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations so that they are based on percentages of Circuit and Associate Circuit Judges' salaries.

Commissioners shall receive 90% of a circuit judge's compensation.

Legal advisors shall receive at least $41,000, but not more than 80% of an associate circuit judge's compensation.

Chief legal advisors shall receive the same rate as a legal advisor plus two thousand dollars.

Administrative law judges shall receive 90% of an associate circuit judge's compensation.

Administrative law judges in charge shall receive the same rate as an administrative law judge plus five thousand dollars.

All salaries are subject to appropriations.

Under Section 478.013, RSMo, the base salary for a circuit judge is $79,164, plus any adjustments. Under Section 478.018, RSMo, the base salary for an associate circuit judge is $69,713 plus any adjustments.

The maximum number of ALJs in the Division of Workers' Compensation is increased from 20 to 30, subject to procedures adding two ALJs in 1999, and providing for incremental increases thereafter based on need.

Performance reviews will be conducted on various personnel. The standards for such reviews will be established by rule. Unsatisfactory performance reviews my be appealed through the ALJ review committee.

The act also clarifies the right of the Director to request the ALJ review committee to review an administrative law judge.
CHARLES HATCHER